Churches asked to observe Blue Sunday

Area churches are being encouraged to observe Blue Sunday this weekend, a day scheduled to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect in St. Francois County.

Churches are asked to have a special moment to give recognition to the children of America and pray for their continued safety from harm. Church members are asked to wear something blue to worship services.

The event was started by the Faith Committee of Project Sunlight, a task force dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Al Sullivan is director of the St. Francois County Community Partnership. Project Sunlight and the Partnership urge every church in the county to observe the day, he said.

“During the last three years since the development of ‘Project Sunlight’ we have seen some decrease in reported data regarding child abuse and neglect,” Sullivan said. “It is through a sustained effort of awareness, observance, education and effort that we will be able to stem the tide of this terrible social ill. I ask the people to observe a special moment in their heart for the children this Sunday, ‘Blue Sunday.’”

Sullivan helped co-chair the development of Project Sunlight along with Meg (Stevenson) Reiner about three years ago.

Project Sunlight has six working committees that address various issues related to child abuse and neglect. They are Faith Community, Health/Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Public Awareness, Youth Activities and Mentoring, Economic and Transportation Concerns and Alternative Care.

Parenting classes, public forums, the foster children’s backpack program and brochures such as employment training, Mental Health Resource Guide and a Family Resource Guide are among the accomplishments of Project Sunlight committees.

“For the past three years, Project Sunlight has had two main priorities; to make the public aware of the child abuse and neglect problem in St. Francois County, and to create and implement projects that help prevent child abuse and neglect,” Reiner said. “While the board meets regularly, the task force will meet just twice this year, with its six committees meeting as needed throughout the year.”

Project Sunlight is a non-profit organization and contributions can be counted as a charitable tax-exempt donation.